Here's Your Sign....?

 

Here’s Your Sign?

Thamsanqa Jantjie did not describe his qualifications for being a sign language interpreter to those that hired him.   A South African deputy cabinet minister said "a mistake happened" when Jantjie was hired for the event.  Ingrid Parkin, principal of the St. Vincent School for the Deaf in Johannesburg, said:  “Bogus sign language interpreters are a problem in South Africa, because people who know a few signs try to pass themselves off as interpreters.  And those hiring them usually don't sign, so they have no idea that the people they are hiring cannot do the job.” (Emphasis TLB)

Sound familiar? If it doesn’t, it should.  Friends, the same thing is happening in churches throughout the world.  Preachers of all sorts stand before masses of vulnerable listeners and proclaim false doctrine to those that will hear.  For instance, “you do not have to be baptized to be saved” (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-6; 1 Pet. 3:21; Gal. 3:26-27; Mk. 16:15-16). Or, “once you are saved, you can never be lost” (Acts 8:9-24; 1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Pet. 3:17).  And because “they have no idea”, church goers nod their heads in approval.  I mean, the preacher is trained, right? He knows what he is talking about, right?

Jantjie told the Associated Press that he received one year of sign language interpretation at a school in Cape Town. He said he has previously interpreted at many events without anyone complaining, and insisted he was doing proper sign-language.  But, according to Delphin Hlungwane, an official South African sign language interpreter, "He didn't follow any of the grammatical rules and structure of the language. He just invented his signs as he went along".  (Emphasis TLB)

Paul warned Timothy (and therefore, us) of this (1 Tim. 4).  Peter also gave warnings not to heed those who gave false information (2 Peter 2:1).  To say that it does not exist is to call the apostles liars, and to lie to yourself as well.  So, what are we to do?

Consider the Christians at Berea, who “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11 KJV).  We learn also in the following verse that this searching produced belief, and therefore salvation!  It is simple.  Compare what is being taught by your preacher to what the Bible really says...or as Ronald Reagan once said, "trust, but verify".

Friends, let us never be guilty of “inventing as we go along”.  The Gospel Message is too important not to teach truthfully.  - preachertombowling@gmail.com

 

 

A Letter to my Son, on His Birthday

A letter to my son, on your birthday

Happy Birthday, Son.  I know it’s been a while.  I hope you are doing ok. I miss you every day.  22 years ago today I watched you come in to this world.  You were a happy baby, and we laughed a lot when you were young.  Our laughter didn’t last long enough, though. 

I know we have both struggled through life.  It seems the hand that we have been dealt is a tough one at times.  Some of the things I learned from my dad about relationships, well, they stink quite frankly.  And I admit, many times I have failed. 

My dad left when I was 8.  He was my hero.  He babied me a lot, and my brothers and sisters hated me for it.  I cried for 2 years looking out the window for him to come back.  He never did.  I swore that I would never do that to a child, so even though your mother and I divorced when you were 4, I fought to stay a part of your life.  It was hard.  To this date, it was the hardest thing I have ever tried to do, and ultimately, I failed.

Your brothers miss you, and so does Summer.  We talk about you often, and laugh about things you used to do.  Like the time when you were in kiddie-college, and were afraid that bats were attacking you; or the time when you took a picture of the preacher on a youth trip when he was asleep in the van and drooling…that was funny. 

Bradley is tall, like you.  His voice is deep. He is in 8^th grade now, and he has his first girlfriend, Emily.  She’s a 10^th grade girl from church.  I kinda wish you were around to help with that, because I sure as heck don’t know what to do.  Tyler is, well, he’s just Tyler.  He is just like me when I was 12, except he has his dad around.  I remind them a lot how lucky they are to have their mom and dad.  Although I know you have had a family unit, I think you understand what I mean.  It’s just not the same.

I hear you are a rock star now.  Lead singer in a band.  Funny thing is that’s what I always secretly wanted to be.  Anyone who has known me for long knows I like Hard Rock music, so I guess there’s something you got from your old man.  Good luck with that.  George Thorogood’s “Get a haircut, and get a real job” comes to mind.  His parents tried to discourage him, but he stuck with it.  I hope you “hit the big time”.    

I’m a preacher now.  I know, many of my “friends” laughed too.  But my family never did.  And my Christian brothers and sisters never have, and they encourage me every single day to be my best.  You see, if it’s one thing I have needed most in my life, it has been forgiveness.  I have messed up so many times.  At one point, I thought I was beyond forgiveness, but I learned better than that.  It’s never too late, until you die. 

The Bible says that once you enjoy the forgiveness that God gives, your desire is to tell it.  That’s why they call the Gospel the “Good News”.  After all of the mistakes I’ve made in life, including the one’s I made with you, I can still “call on the name of the Lord” and be saved.   That’s in the Bible, but I am not preaching to you, son.  I just pray that for you, every day.  I am asking forgiveness from you though.  I don’t know exactly how, or for what, other than failing you at times and being a crummy dad. I tried. I know I failed.

Maybe we can talk soon.  I hope your birthday is awesome, because you are an awesome guy and you deserve it.

I love you, have never stopped loving you, and always will love you.

Happy Birthday,

Your Dad

423-421-2851..my number hasn’t changed.      

 

 

If You Like Your Salvation, You Can Keep It!

“If You Like Your Salvation, You Can Keep It!”

            I admit it. I am a Fox news junkie.  I watch most every evening.  I watch other news too.  My wife and kids think I have a problem, but I attest that I just like to stay up on current events.  Staying “current” is important in life, and also in ministry.

            Lately most of the airtime on the news networks has been dedicated to coverage of the failures of the Affordable Care Act, or “Obama Care” as it has been called by many.  Let me say this, this article is not a political rant against or for Obama Care.  A wise elder once cautioned me that it would be wise for me to abstain from political dialog as much as possible, and for the most part I have taken his advice! For the record I do find a few details of the law very beneficial for some, especially poor people, but consider the law as a whole to be bad for the country.  What prompted me to write this article was the “If you like your current plan, you can keep it” promise that seems to have been (notice I said seems) a fabrication by the President, someone we are supposed to be able to trust.  

            My family had Farm Bureau health insurance.  When the lady sold it to me, she said, “This plan will not meet the specifications of the ACA when it goes into effect”.  I said “that is alright, the President said I could keep my plan if I like it.”  She said, “No you won’t.” and it turns out, she was right.  Some health plans have been labeled as “bad” or “insufficient” therefore they have been cancelled under the law.

            I, along with many that I have seen on television and that I have spoken with personally are perplexed, even saddened by this reality.  I trusted the president.  Personally, I contribute the perils that are befalling the good ole’ USA to the lack of will to abide by the Biblical principles on which our great country was founded (Ps. 33:12), but that is another article.

            I say all of this to make one point.  Our God, Our Creator, Our Sustainer has created in Jesus Christ a plan for mankind, who fell away from His Glory through sin (Gen. 3; Romans 3:23) to be reconciled to Him. And the Truth is that God’s plan will never be taken away from us.  As long as the earth shall be, there is hope for mankind to be saved.   And you can keep you salvation, too.  If man obeys the Gospel (Romans 6:17; Mark 16:15-16) and remains faithful (Rev. 2:10) we can never be “canceled” from salvation (John 10:28-29).   

            By the way, some plans for salvation that have been created by man, not God, are ‘bad’ or ‘insufficient’ plans.  That too is another article.

            Have you obeyed the Gospel of Christ? If so, keep your plan!  Stay faithful!  If not, log on to His Word today and trust in Him with your spiritual health, which, in the long run, is way more important than your physical health. 

 

preachertombowling@gmail.com

A New York Minute..in Boston

A New York Minute…in Boston

I have to make a confession:  I am not a writer.  One of the many lessons that I learned at the East Tennessee School of Preaching was the need for preachers to be writers.  There was emphasis placed on taking advantage of ‘current events’ and making them applicable to biblical teaching through observations. The idea is appealing and usually effective if done properly, but even so, I have never been that good at it as some of my colleagues (which is why I should probably do more of it!).   With that being said, the events of Monday, April 15^th have left me with a feeling that I rarely have; a need to express great concern for my friends and family, as well as my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Now, you might think that this article will focus on world events, terrorism, politics, ‘big brother’ or some other topic that could be related to what happened at Boston Marathon this past week.  But, instead allow me to view the event and the reaction to said event through the eyes of Scripture, and bring to light any possible lesson that can be learned.   

First and foremost, what I am reminded of by what happened is that things can and do change in an instant.  The victims of the bombings were taken totally by surprise.   People were happy, celebrating with friends and family as they accomplished a well-deserved goal in life.  Reports to date have led to conclude that there was little or no indication that there was anything planned.   Friends, that is exactly how the Bible describes the second-coming of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10).  God’s Holy Word is very clear that watching, preparedness, and looking for the Christ to return should be a characteristic of faithful Christians (Matt. 24:42; Mk. 13:33).  But, are we?  In general it seems that the preparation for the return of Christ is not in the forefront of our lives.  Most people hardly consider it at all. And that scares me.

Secondly, when that time does come, there will be much destruction.  It has been reported that the bombs used were built to inflict the most damage.  Many people refuse to acknowledge the clear teaching of Scripture that characterizes the Day of the Lord as being one of great destruction (2 Peter 3:10).  There will be no second chances.  There will be no mercy on those who “do not obey the gospel of Christ” (2 Thess. 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17).

And finally, much like the bombings at the Boston Marathon, which quickly, almost instantaneously, the news spread throughout the entire world, likewise the second coming of Christ will be heard and seen by every living creature on earth (Rom 14:11; Philippians 2:10).  There will be a sound of a great trumpet (1 Cor. 15:52) and every knee show bow down, and give an account for their life here on earth.

Friends, are you ready? Are you really ready? Are you ready for the judgment day?  In light of many of the daily events in the recent past, we are reminded that things can certainly change in ‘a New York minute’, whether it be in Boston, or your own home town. If you are not a faithful member of the body of Christ, the Bible is clear in its teaching that you are unprepared. Obey the gospel today, and prepare yourself for eternity (Acts 2:38, 22:16; Gal. 3:26-26; Romans 6:3-6).  In the meantime, pray for those affected by this terrible incident, for the family members who have lost loved ones, and for our nation as we heal from this act of terror.

preachertombowling@gmail.com     

"AM I BECOME YOUR ENEMY BY TELLING YOU THE TRUTH?" (Gal. 4:16)

"AM I BECOME YOUR ENEMY BY TELLING YOU THE TRUTH?"

(Gal. 4:16)

For me, the decision to become a preacher was not an easy one.  I did receive much encouragement from Christian friends and family, and that was very helpful. But, one of the more pressing mental barriers that I had to overcome was that I had a complex.  I felt that the sins or actions of my past would hinder the Message of Christ.  Often I may refer to my younger years in a way that sounds regretful.  And, mind you, I did make mistakes.  But for the record, I would like to do something that I have yet to do since I made the choice to be a full time servant of God. I would like to clear the air as it pertains to “the sins of my youth”, and state the following: I was a decent kid, respected my parents, and was a responsible young person.  

For years now, many (mostly high school friends, my apologies guys) have derided me for “the way I used to be”.  It has become more prevalent since becoming a preacher and ‘speaking the truth in love’ if you will.  It seems the patterned response for many when I choose to lovingly exercise 2^nd Timothy 4:2 is to say, “how dare you, don’t judge me! Don’t you remember how you once were!?”   Well friends, let me tell you how I ‘once was’:

I obeyed the gospel plan of salvation at age 12, due to the evangelistic efforts of neighbors and people who love me.  I was very active in my youth group, and those people are still my friends today.  I have been gainfully and productively employed in a full time job (many times 2, and sometimes 3) since the age of 15.  I bought and paid for in full my own car at age 16 with money I worked for.  I also paid for my own gas and insurance.  I had a successful secular career in retail sales and management for 23 years, and am convinced that it prepared me well for my current service to God.  I made good grades in school.  I have always tried to be a leader.  I was taught good things by my parents and never have disrespected them in any way.  I treat my wife in all ways as I should in light of Scripture, and constantly lift her up and encourage her.  I have been a good father to my children, including my oldest, who has continually forsaken my instruction for the ways of this world.  I have endured a failed marriage that included unfaithfulness, and marital misconduct resulting in a scriptural divorce (Matthew 19:9). I have never been fired, written up, or even categorized as an unruly employee. As a matter of fact, I have received multiple awards for my performance and work ethic.  People have generally loved working with me.   I am a team player and all- around friendly and funny guy.  And, last but certainly not least, I encourage young people to live for God and be able to defend their faith!

  Contrary to what I and some may say, I wasn’t the heathen I sometimes tell myself I was.  And the things that I did do wrong I can assure anyone who is interested, I have been forgiven and it has been forgotten by God (Hebrews 8:12).  I wish others could forget also. I could go on, but I perceive that my point has been made.  I know how this all sounds, but I say all of the above to say this:

The apostle Paul knew what it was like to have people detest and despise him. Five times Paul received thirty-nine stripes from the Jews, three times he was beaten with rods, and once he was stoned and left for dead (II Cor. 11:24-25; Acts 14:19). All these things happened to this faithful servant of the Lord because he loved the souls of men, as do I. That’s right. Paul loved folks with a fervent, genuine and Biblical love, and I do too. He knew that people would lose their souls if they lived and died in sin, and I know that too.

The best thing the devil has going today is the attitude that desires to please folks instead of save folks. Godly standards are lowered to lure and draw folks in, all in the name of love. The apostle Paul described quite well the attitude of most toward truth in saying, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (II Tim. 4:3-4). Nonetheless, young Timothy was told to “preach the word” -- the Truth (II Tim. 4:2).  That is also my charge!

The words of Paul again ring loud and clear, “For do I now persuade men, or God?  Or do I seek to please men? For, if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10). Paul proclaimed the one and only Gospel regardless of who it offended, and I do too. Both he and John the Baptizer would rather go to Heaven than be “politically correct”, and I feel the same way.

I choose not to be politically correct, but to teach, admonish, exhort and rebuke.  I always pray for balance, and that I keep an attitude of love.  I fail at this at times.  But friends, it is a mistake to look upon my past, whatever it may be, as an influence on whether or not sound Biblical Truth should be obeyed.  Of course this is all said in Love, with a kind and gentle heart.

preachertombowling@gmail.com

 

CYC 2013 “Jesus, The Man, The Friend, and The Door”

CYC 2013 “Jesus, The Man, The Friend, and The Door”

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

These days, young people have many role models to look up to. Children are being constantly bombarded with the idea that sports figures such as Lebron James, Tim Tebow, etc. are “the man”.  Our kids are taught that unless we conform to and agree with what is socially acceptable, like homosexuality, we cannot be a “true friend”.  Also, modern day teaching in schools and television are attempting to convince youth that there are many avenues (doors) to heaven, including denominationalism, Islam, and Oprah.    

Last weekend, Summer and I were privileged to accompany 12 of our youth and 6 adults to Challenge Youth Conference in Gatlinburg, TN.  CYC is in its 13^th year, and is growing each year.  This year’s conference had over 9000 attendees!   Our children were introduced to six challenging lessons from three of the brotherhoods most dynamic and doctrinally sound preachers, Kyle Butt, Lonnie Jones, and David Shannon. We were also edified by wonderful singing, and some very effective (and sometimes hilarious) skits.  They even got to see their new preacher demonstrate his bible quiz knowledge on stage!! 

This year’s theme at CYC was “Jesus”.  Our teens heard very clear and timely lessons about our Lord and Savior, such as “Jesus, The Man”, “Jesus, Our Friend”, and “Jesus, The Door”. 

Kyle Butt presented Jesus as “The Man”, teaching our kids that Jesus was not only human, suffered and was tempted just as we are, but also that when those things happened to Him, He was triumphant over temptation, and we can be too!  Brother Lonnie Jones related to our young people that Jesus is “our Friend”, and no matter what we do, He will never forsake us and will always be on our side through whatever problem we may have.   And David Shannon effectively demonstrated that Jesus Christ is, and has always been, the ONLY door to heaven (I may have to get me one of those big red doors he used!).

These lessons were greatly encouraging to our young people.  But they weren’t the only good thing about our weekend.  All 20 of us were able to have time to grow, learn about each other, share personal thoughts about the lessons in our “devo-time” after the lessons back at the cabin, and have fun and fellowship together.  I conveyed to them that it was times like these that build friendships that last for a lifetime. 

Training our children, like the Proverb says, is the task of every parent and Christian.  I am thrilled that our time together this past weekend gave us opportunity to plant seeds in the hearts of our kids that will, Lord willing, help them to grow into strong and healthy Christian young adults.  I would like to thank the elders for allowing the trip, and the parents for allowing their children to go.  Young people, if you didn’t have the opportunity to go (it was short notice this year), please consider going with us next year.  You’re guaranteed to have a great time! Just ask anyone who went.

I am convinced, and I am sure you agree, that the strength, health and growth of any congregation is directly related to the strength, health and growth of its youth group.  I am committed to doing my part in ensuring that the Charlotte Avenue youth group grows spiritually and in numbers.  They are a great group of kids, and I am so glad that my boys have them to grow with.  I would like to encourage each of you to pitch in, and grow with us!!

preachertombowling@gmail.com  

"It's a Miracle!!"..Really? #book/chapter/verse

Not my original material, but truth, nonetheless..

 

Have Miracles Ceased?

There are men and women who claim to perform miracles today. Preachers on T.V. supposedly demonstrate the power of miraculous works on the sick and afflicted. Many people are confused as to whether these things are true or false. So, in our study we ask the question, "Have Miracles Ceased?"

First let us define our terms. What is a miracle? A miracle is "an act of God superseding or suspending a natural law." Many use the term "miracle" in a very loose way, contrary to the biblical concept of the word. To some, almost everything is a miracle; from the trees budding in the spring, to the birth of a child. But these things are not actually miracles. A miracle is not a work of nature or an effect resulting from natural law. Neither should we confuse a miracle with God's providence. Providence is God working, but through a natural means.

The birth of a child is a working of natural law, not a miracle. Though it is a marvelous thing, child birth is simply the working of God's natural order set forth in the beginning-seed bearing fruit after its kind (Gen. 1-2). An example of a work of providence would be the birth of Samuel in answer to barren Hannah's prayer (1Sam. 1). God's hand is seen in Hannah being able to conceive, yet she conceived through a natural means. The virgin birth of Jesus was a miracle. This went beyond the working of nature or providence, it was super-natural.

We learn from the Scriptures that the purpose of miracles were two fold; to cause men to believe in the Lord (Jn. 14:11; 3:32), and to confirm His word (Jn. 20:30-31). Jesus promised His disciples the ability to perform miracles in order to confirm the word they would preach (Mk. 16:15-20). We learn from the New Testament that these miracles were performed and did indeed confirm the gospel that was proclaimed (Heb. 2:2-4).

The apostle Paul, however, spoke of a time when these miraculous gifts would pass away. In 1Cor. 12:8-10 nine spiritual gifts are mentioned, including prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. In the next chapter Paul states, "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away" (1Cor. 13:8-10).

Note the apostle speaks of the partial being done away when the perfect comes. Some, who try to say miracles still exist, say that the reference to "that which is perfect" speaks of Jesus. But here Paul isn't speaking of Jesus. If so why speak of Him as a thing instead of a person-- "that which is perfect"? The word "perfect" refers to that which is brought to completion, wanting nothing (James 1:25). The thing in the context that would eventually come to be perfect or complete, in contrast to that which was then only partial, is God's revelation. At that time God's revelation was only partially known through prophecy, tongue speaking, etc. It however, would eventually be completed, written down, and preserved.

Today we have God's complete and perfect revelation-- the Bible. Thus, miracles have ceased just as the Lord's apostle foretold. More on Miracles next week.

Paul Smithson via Dave Hart

Weekly Communion: What does the Bible teach?

A BIBLICAL DEFENSE OF THE WEEKLY OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

The memorial meal instituted by Jesus in the context of the Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-29) is the only thing that Jesus asked His disciples to do “in remembrance” of Him (Luke 22:14-20; 1Corinthians 11:23-26).  It is clear that the early church continued in this practice (Acts 2:42) and both Scripture (Acts 20:7; 1Corinthians 16:2) and early history and tradition indicate that the Lord’s Supper was the central focus of their weekly meeting.  Christians should not only want to maintain Apostolic tradition (2Thessalonians 2:15), but also see the importance of keeping the focus on the central and saving events of the Gospel: Jesus’ death for our sin, burial, and resurrection (1Corinthians 15:1-4) in a regular manner.  Congregations offer, but do not “police” (examine people and restrict it to “Christian Church” members only), the meal to all believers every week as an important means of obeying and remembering Christ.  While some claim that weekly observation can render it a “commonplace” experience, this same reasoning never seems to be applied to any other activity that could equally become “routine” - such as church attendance, hymn-singing, prayer, preaching, paying the preacher, telling your mate that you love them, etc.

       It should be noted that there may be a deep spiritual reason why the frequency of the Lord’s Supper and mode/meaning of baptism, etc. have become so varied and controversial amongst believers over the centuries.  If I were the Devil, I would make it a priority to remove the impact of the Christ-centered symbolism - make communion a rare occurrence so that people are less-frequently reminded of His death and shed blood.  With this in mind, let us examine some additional Biblical facts concerning the Lord’s Supper.   

  A. IT IS TO BE DONE WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS...

      1. There is ample indication the Supper is designed to be a communal meal

 

         a. The disciples "came together" to break bread - Acts 20:7

 

         b. When they came together, they were to "wait for one another"- 1Cor. 11:33

 

       2.  Partaking together of "one bread", they demonstrate they are "one bread and one body" -           1Cor. 10:17-- We commune not just with the Lord, but with one another

   B. TO BE DONE OFTEN...

      1. The Biblical evidence is that it was done weekly

         a. Christians came together on the first day of the week to "break bread" - Acts 20:7

         b. Other indications of a weekly observance:

            1) The church at Corinth was coming together to eat the Lord's Supper, though they were                            abusing it - cf. 1Cor. 11:17-22

            2) Instructions concerning the collection suggest their coming together was on the first                                     day of the week - cf. 1Cor. 16:1-2

         c. Following the divinely approved example of Christians in the Bible, we know God                                     approves of a weekly observance on the first day of the week

      2. The earliest historical evidence outside the Bible confirms the  day and frequency.

         a. The Didache (ca. 95 A.D.) indicates Christians were to come together on the first day of                                 the week to break bread- Didache 14:1

         b. Justin Martyr (ca. 150 A.D.) records how Christians assembled on Sunday and partook                                    of the Supper - Apology I, 67

         c. "...the early church writers from Barnabas, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, to Clement of                                        Alexandria, Origen and Cyprian, all with one consent, declare that the church                          observed the first day of the week. They are equally agreed that the Lord's

                        Supper was observed weekly, on the first day of the week." - B. W. Johnson,                                     People's New Testament

      3. Religious scholars confirm this was the practice

         a. "As we have already remarked, the celebration of the Lord's Supper was still held to             constitute an essential part of divine worship every Sunday, as appears from Justin Martyr (A.D. 150)..." - Augustus Neander (Lutheran), History Of Christian Religion And Church, Vol. I, p. 332

         b. "This ordinance (the Lord's Supper) seems to have been administered every Lord's day;     and probably no professed Christian absented themselves..." - Thomas Scott (Presbyterian), Commentary On Acts 20:7

         c. This also is an important example of weekly communion as the practice of the first             Christians." - A. C. Hervey (Episcopalian), Commentary On Acts 20:7.

         d. "It is well known that the primitive Christians administered the Eucharist (the Lord's             Supper) every Lord's day." - P. Doddridge (Congregationalist), Notes On Acts 20:7.

      4. Some believe that a weekly observance diminishes the importance of the Supper

         a. Which is why they may do it monthly, quarterly, or annually

         b. But does the frequent practice of:

            1) Assembling diminishing its value and importance?

            2) Singing praises and offering prayers devalue their benefits?

            3) Preaching and studying God's Word decrease their significance to our lives?

      -- Our spiritual lives are dependent upon the value and benefits of our Lord's death on the cross; a weekly observance of the memorial helps us to live appreciatively and accordingly!

CONCLUSION

1. "The Lord's Supper" is a very special memorial of Jesus’ death for our sins...

   a. Instituted by Jesus Himself, He asked His disciples to do it in His memory

   b. Jesus told His disciples that He would not eat of the elements again until:

      1) "...that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." - Mt 26:29

      2) "...that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." - Mk 14:25

      3) "...it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God." - Lk 22:16

      4) "...the kingdom of God shall come." - Lk 22:18

2. The first Christians "continued steadfastly" in its observance...

   a. Just as they did in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship and prayer- Acts 2:42

   b. Coming together on the first day of the week for that very purpose- Acts 20:7

3. Christians today should never lose sight of its significance for us...

   a. A constant reminder of the great sacrifice Jesus paid for our sins

   b. A communion or sharing of the body and blood of the Lord

   c. A time for self-examination and rededication of our service to the Lord

   d. A means for building fellowship with one another in the body of Christ

4. May such thoughts encourage us to never neglect opportunities we have to observe the Lord's     Supper, but to continue steadfastly and in so doing "proclaim the Lord's death till He comes."

If Your Church Teaches Rapture/1000 Year Reign, Open Your Bible and Study This

Pre-millennialism Defined and Refuted 

INTRODUCTION:

A. This morning I would like to give another reason why I am a member of the church of Christ – I am a member of the Church of Christ because it teaches the kingdom has now been established and Christ is now reigning.

 

B. The future kingdom theory together with the literal reign of Christ upon the earth for a literal 1,000 years has invaded the denominational world, it is publicly being advocated by their preachers, and it has even invaded the decision making of our government.

1. I could never cast my lot with a religious group which is lending its support to such a wild theory.

2. This wild theory is called “Premillennialism”

3. This false doctrine teaches that Christ at His second coming will set up a kingdom (not yet established) and will reign in Jerusalem for a 1,000 years over man on the earth.

C. No doubt there are some things hard to understand in the Bible, but Premillennialism cannot possibly be true.  

DISCUSSION: 

A. PREMILLENNIALISM CANNOT BE TRUE BECAUSE THE KINGDOM HAS ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED

1. Daniel, in recalling Nebuchadnezzar’s forgotten dream and in giving the interpretation of it said, “And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed … it shall stand forever” (Dan. 2:44).

a. What kings? The kings of the Roman Empire, according to the interpretation of the dream in light of sacred and secular history.

b. God’s ever-standing and never-ending kingdom was to be established while the Romans ruled over man.

2. In the days of the Roman kings John the Baptist came preaching, “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt. 3:1-2).

3. After John had been put into prison Jesus preached, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mk. 1:15).

4. Jesus taught that the kingdom was to come during the lifetime of some of the then-living disciples.

a. Mark 9:1

b. Now, either the kingdom has been established, or we have some of the Lord’s disciples living at the age of nearly 2,000 years.

c. If there is someone that old still around we would have heard of it

5. When Jesus sent out the seventy, He said, “The kingdom of God is nigh unto you” (Lk. 10:9). That is, it was soon to be established.

6. We now come to the exact date that the kingdom was established

a. You will recall Mark 9:1 – this power came on the apostles in Jerusalem on Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2:1-4).

b. Therefore, the kingdom came on Pentecost

7. After Pentecost, Paul wrote, Colossians 1:13

a. They could not have been conveyed or translated into the kingdom if it didn’t exist

b. And, not only that, John said he was in the kingdom (Revelation 1:9).

8. The absurdity of this doctrine is again seen when placed alongside of Hebrews 12:28 – if we have received a kingdom that shall not be shaken, how can it be said that the kingdom has not yet come.

9. Consider also that it is preposterous to look for a kingdom to be established on the earth, for Jesus His kingdom was not of this world (Jn. 18:36). 

B. PREMILLENNIALISM CANNOT BE TRUE BECAUSE CHRIST’S THRONE IS IN HEAVEN

1. Zechariah said that Christ “shall sit and rule upon his throne” (Zech. 6:13).

a. Christ is now sitting at God’s right hand (Acts 2:30-35)

b. Therefore, Christ’s throne is at God’s right hand. Not on earth!

2. Zechariah declared that Christ would be a priest on His throne (Zech. 6:13).

a. Paul said that Christ is a great high priest in heaven (Heb. 4:14)

b. Therefore, Christ’s throne is in heaven. Not on the earth!

3. Consider this as well, wherever Christ cannot be a priest He cannot have His throne, for Christ “shall be a priest on his throne” (Zech. 6:13).

a. Christ cannot be a priest on earth – Hebrews 8:4

b. Therefore, it is impossible for His throne to be on the earth. It must be in heaven! 

C. PREMILLENNIALISM CANNOT BE TRUE BECAUSE IT TEACHES WE ARE NOT LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS

1. Peter’s statement on the day of Pentecost, “This is the last days,” is sufficient enough to prove doctrine false.

2. All premillennialists hold that we are not living in the last days.

3. They teach that Jesus will inaugurate the last days at His second coming.

4. But the inspired apostle Peter said the last days began when the kingdom began on the day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus

5. Who are we going to believe? 

D. PREMILLENNIALISM CANNOT BE TRUE BECAUSE AT THE LORD’S RETURN THE EARTH WILL BE BURNED UP

1. Consider – 2 Peter 3:10

2. How will Jesus reign on the earth if it is burned up? 

E. PREMILLENNIALISM CANNOT BE TRUE BECAUSE REVELATION 20:1-6 DOES NOT TEACH IT

 

1. Revelation 20:1-6

2. This is the premillennialists’ sugar stick text, but notice what it does not mention:

a. The second coming of Christ

b. Christ’s reign on the earth

c. A resurrection of the body

d. Christ ever being on the earth again

e. That we will reign with Him, but rather those who had been “beheaded for the testimony of Jesus” (v.4)

3. This passage is teeming with figurative language

a. They have taken one phrase out of a passage full of figurative language and have tried to make that one phrase (“reign with him a thousand years”) as literal

b. Why do they take that one phrase literally and not the others? 

CONCLUSION: I am a member of the Church of Christ because it teaches the kingdom has now been established and Christ is now reigning!
adapted-Tom Moore/Preacherfiles.com